University of Colorado, Colorado Springs


Program: Masters of Engineering in Space Operations


High points: This is (I believe) the only program in the nation that offers a master in space operations, rather than Aerospace engineering. The focus for the coursework is astrodynamics, operations research, and ground control for spacecraft. Program is 10 classes plus an independent investigation paper. Classes tend to be small (~10 people), and are all held in the evenings.

Coursework is heavy on astrodynamics (3-4 required course, plus numerous others offered) which is a lot more than most programs. Other required course are space environment, cost and reliability, and spacecraft design.

When I was looking at grad/PhD schools, the only other schools in the nation that offer more than 1 or 2 astrodynamics course were UT-Austin, Naval Postgrad (Monterrey), and AFIT (WPAFB). So the astrodynamics is a rare feature.

Most of the professors only teach at the college part time. About half teach full-time at the Air Force Academy (undergrad aerospace engineering), and most of the others either work at NORAD, USSPACECOM, or the National Test Facility.

Astrodynamic specialty is in high demand, but hard to get.

Drawbacks:

1. No student stipends or scholarships. You pay your own way.
2. Lots of Air Force students. Coursework is designed for Air Force officers from the local bases and from the Air Force Academy. This is a different mentality, and it is hard to fit in as a pure-bred "civilian". Coursework can also tend to be "cookbook", with more emphasis on churning a crank, rather than coming up with original ideas.
3. Night courses (3 hours sessions one night a week). Back to back Friday night course (430-715 and 715-10).
4. Air Force instructors. Instructors tend to change every 3 years, as they move on to new tours of duty, so consistency in style and material tends to change rapidly. They also have a hard time talking in non-DoD speak, so it is sometimes hard to follow their analogies.

- Alumni: David Kalman (GSFC '94)


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